Internship Review at Standard Life

The Role

Role Description

I worked on the Finance Business Planning Team and my role in the team was to help them develop the models that they use to forecast the company's profitability for future years. I had to analyse the current models and find ways to make them simpler, more accurate and more efficient at what they do. This involved working on a number of projects.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It was nothing like what I expected it to be like - but not in a bad way! I really enjoyed my 10 weeks working for Standard Life and feel that I've learned alot of valuable skills and knowledge along the way.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was working on stand alone projects that were my own so my work didn't have an immediate impact on anyone else's work on my team. However, the work I was doing would help their work in the future and whenever I finished one of my projects I was always given very good feedback and thanked for doing something that would be really useful to the team in future forecasts.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My placement manager was sat right next to me so I could ask him questions whenever I was stuck and needing help. He was always very helpful and always spent the time explaining things to me even if he was busy himself. If he was going to be away on study he always made sure there was someone else there who I could go to for help if I needed it so I felt very supported.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Like any job there were days when I was rushed off my feet and days where I was looking for something to read or a task to do because I had a bit of spare time on my hands. In general, I didn't have to work late.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was pretty much left to my own devices in deciding how to improve the models - which I liked! This meant that I could understand how they worked for myself and put my own stamp into how I thought it could be improved rather than someone just telling me what to do and then me doing it which would have been boring and not very challenging.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I actually study Actuarial Science so I thought that I had a great idea of what working as an Actuary would be like before I started - I was so wrong! It was good to see the variety of work that an Actuary does although in the team I was in and the role that I worked in I don't feel I really saw any of the stuff I've learned at Uni put into practice. The experience of working as an Actuarial Intern and even just working in an office environment have been invaluable though, and will certainly be a great help in my future career.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

In my team there are very busy planning periods where everyone is very busy with their workloads and a bit more stressed out, however in general the atmosphere is relaxed, and enjoyable.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I pretty much spent the first two weeks reading lots of information. This was because my team were very busy in the final stages of the financial plan which is understandable but it would have been nice to have a project that I could have started on right away.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There were lots of 'learning lunches' and presentations put on specifically for the interns and these were a very good way to learn more about the company as a whole. Individual training on our actual job was not as good though as you pretty much have to train yourself how to do the work as that is part of how you understand it - by doing it yourself.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Company Parties/Events
• Above 25 days holiday

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I would definately want to work for Standard Life in the future and hope that I am offered a graduate job for next year.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

All of the interns (12 of us) got on really well and did a range of things together outside of work. It was nice to have a group of friendly faces that you know when you work in such a huge organisation.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I have lived in Edinburgh all my life - so the cost of living is just normal to me. It's not nearly as expensive as London and there are so many things to do in Edinburgh that you are sure to find something within your budget! Even just walking around the old town, or climbing Arthur Seat can be very enjoyable - and that's free!

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Edinburgh.. during festival time.. Need I say any more?

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Lots of social clubs that you can join. Team nights out. Lunches/dinners. And whatever else you want to organise yourself!

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

The experience that I've gained doing this internship has been invaluable to me and I definately recommend doing an internship to all students - especially those in their penultimate year.

Review 15/26 for Standard Life

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